Family Holiday in Townsville & Cairns – Fun, Heat & Adventure

The start of 2024 saw our family embark on an epic holiday to North Queensland, packed with holiday park and swimming days, bush adventures, and plenty of laughs. With cousins reunited, new places explored, and some truly unique experiences, it was a trip to remember.

First, Townsville welcomed us with warm tropical evenings filled with backyard games, cool drinks, and creative ways to beat the heat—including one kid in the kiddie pool and another just standing under the hose for relief! It was special family time from the start. Mirin had plenty of cuddles with Uncle Adrian, and there was nothing cuter than hearing her call Declan “Boy Cousin” as they bonded over video games in Declan’s room.

One of our highlights was hiking up Castle Hill, taking in the stunning views over Townsville and Magnetic Island. It was a full-circle moment, with Hayden standing in the exact same spot that Nevan & Liam did seven years ago during another family holiday to the tropical north.

And then, there was The Dark Knight Office—an eerie, abandoned bat-filled bunker hidden on Castle Hill. The smell alone was unforgettable, and with bats flitting around inside, it felt like a real-life geocaching horror movie!

Next, on our way north, we made a perfect lunch stop at Kurrimine, a fantastic little coastal spot just a few kilometers off the Bruce Highway. With two vehicles in caravan mode, it truly felt like a joint family road trip adventure. Our destination was Cairns, where we stayed at Cairns Coconut, an amazing family-friendly resort with multiple pools, waterslides, mini-golf, playgrounds, jumping pillows, and even a gym. It was the ultimate school holiday haven, and the kids absolutely loved it.

Even the famous rainy Cairns weather couldn’t slow us down. At Sugarworld Adventure Park, we embraced the rain + waterpark combo, because in tropical North Queensland, it’s always hot!

For something different, we hit the Cairns Night Markets, where Katherine and Hayden braved a Fish Massage. Their reactions were non-stop laughter as the little fish tickled their feet—it was hilarious to watch!

From family reunions in Townsville to adventures in Cairns, this trip had everything—great company, stunning locations, a few unexpected surprises, and a whole lot of fun. It was the perfect way to kick off the year, and we wouldn’t have had it any other way.